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The Importance of Outdoor Office Space

Could you or any of your employees benefit from great outdoor space at work?

In today’s working environment, the economic pressures are high and the demands to succeed are intense. It’s no wonder lunch breaks are slowly becoming a thing of the past for many and adding to stress levels.

Space for employees to remove themselves from staring at their screens and recharge for a moment equals smart business thinking. A breath of fresh air feels like the best thing in the world if you’re bogged down by work. It delivers that much-needed energy boost and clarity of mind – which in turn leads to a more productive workplace.

According to a poll undertaken by hospitality specialist Sodexo and the nonprofit health body Ukactive, 800 British workers they surveyed only took an average of 22 minutes for their lunch breaks.

How employees can benefit 

Taking a short break every couple of hours from a tough work schedule helps employees keep in good shape physically, mentally and emotionally, considerably improving productivity.

Spending as little as 20 minutes a day outside can:

  • reduce stress
  • improve memory and concentration
  • restore mental energy 
  • encourage team building
  • improve social interaction

How to Create an Outdoor Office Space

  1. Plants, plants and more plants

    Fill the space with (you guessed it) … plants. As a business, things can get busy and stressful at times, so the last thing you may be thinking about is tending to green spaces and making sure it looks luscious all year round. Try a low maintenance version of a botanical garden by opting for artificial plants. You can still mix in live plants for the extra wow factor. Grow herbs or vegetables. Or, plant flowers and grasses and create a space that attracts butterflies and pollinators.

  2. Seating

    If you really want to entice employees into using the outdoor space, provide comfortable seating where they can enjoy lunch, take a moment to themselves or even have a catch up with colleagues. 

  3. Walking Trails

    For larger spaces with land. A walking trail would be a great way to get out, take in some fresh air and get some vitamin D. For an extra endorphin boost,  this could be a great time of the day for a run or team walk.

  4. Outdoor Grilling Station

    If you really want to splash out, how about a grilling station? This would make a fabulous way for the team to get together on a Friday afternoon.

With the pressures placed on today’s workforce, it is important to remember that employees need to detach from their screens and take those all-important regular breaks.   

Giving employees an opportunity to untether themselves from technology is one more step on the ladder to staff retainment and loyalty.

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Do Artificial Plants Affect Feng Shui Energies?

The seasons are changing and with that change comes an exciting chance to bring a new and positive vibe into living space using the powers of Feng Shui.

You may or may not believe in this age-old Eastern philosophy however, it may be a great wealth of inspiration if you have hit the proverbial brick wall.

What is Feng Shui?

Originating in China over 6000 years ago, Feng shui means “fēng ‘wind’ and shuǐ ‘water’”.  Two of the earth’s natural flowing elements.

Considered a  “pseudoscience”, it is a method that uses the position of one’s body and the objects in a given space to create a sense of balance and harmony. It is believed that how you arrange a space can affect how energy (chi) flows through it.

Plants play a pivotal role in the art of Feng Shui, representing growth and new beginnings. They are related to the wood element in the feng shui Bagua map, helping to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve productivity among other things. 

Who wouldn’t want this additional boost to help create a calm yet productive lifestyle?

But where do artificial plants fit in the grand scheme of interior decoration and how do they affect the Feng shui? Feng shui interior design

Are Artificial plants Ok to use?

Sure real plants provide great energy – as long as they are getting all the necessary nutrients and light. However, plants that are lacking in these things will eventually die and that death will then go on to create a negative vortex of energy!

Although faux plants may not generate the same natural energies – principles teach us that it is not all about the material of the object. The beauty of a high standard faux plant is that its low maintenance removes the stress of continuous upkeep, providing a psychological impact of uplifting energy.

So the straight answer is …YES! Faux plants most definitely have a part to play in the teachings of Feng Shui. 

3 Tips to Create Better Feng Shui Using Artificial Plants

 

1. Use plants with a natural flow and aesthetic appeal

Go for a leafy rounded plant that displays a smooth texture. According to the teachings of Feng Shui, a plant rich in colour can lift your mood at all times. 

A blossoming plant promotes a sense of fresh life creating positive energy. As you know, a faux cannot blossom. So a great way around this is to opt for an artificial plant with a flowering effect. On the plus side, there won’t be any fallen leaves to clear up!

2. Keep your artificial plants clean

Whether you are using artificial or live, plants covered in dust will not aid in good energy dynamics. Wipe down your plant regularly – a clean artificial plant is way better than a dead or dirty natural plant. 

Wiping down plant

3. Know your limitations and work around them

If it’s a large workspace you’re having to consider, give yourself the opportunity to play around with the internal landscape. If you happen to be in a small office space that may be shared,  consider a potted plant to make it easier to move around. 

There are plenty of options for all kinds of spaces no matter the size, it just requires a little imagination.

That’s the fun part!Feng Shui living room design

If you’re a Feng Shui believer and you decide to go for artificial plants, you can expect to bring good health, wealth, harmonious relationships and career growth.

These amazing natural looking ideas can be achieved with our diverse selection of artificial greeneries for the home and commercial spaces.